SINJE LEE'S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT IN 'DEAR CHILD, HOW ARE YOU?' DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Sinje Lee juggles her directorial debut with her producer role and a member of the cast

Golden Horse Award-winning actress Sinje Lee produced, directed and starred in ‘Dear Child, How Are You?’, a documentary series by Little Yellow Flower Foundation. 

Not only is Lee the executive producer of the entire series, she also makes her directorial debut for one of the documentary episodes, “Hilltop House”. The series explores the theme of "love”: family relationships, parenting styles, and the interactive communication of love between parents, educators, and children.

 
Two other episodes in the series, directed by emerging directors Tan Seng Kiat and Kethsvin Chee respectively, feature Sinje Lee in the lead role, sharing her life story in ‘The Journey of Sinje’, and about two families who homeschool their children in ‘We Rode An Ostrich’.

Sinje with her sons in her hometown

In ‘The Journey of Sinje', Lee accompanies her children to explore nature and cultivate interests such as drawing amidst her busy work schedule; highlighting different educational system from the perspective of a career-oriented mother and her views on education as well as different educational philosophies.
 
Focusing on Waldorf education in her directorial ‘Hilltop House’ episode, Lee shares how each family faces different educational problems, and cites the importance of teachers, parents, and children in the education process. 

Communing with Nature...Sinje and her twin sons

Sinje Lee says: “I never thought about directing for the first time, shooting a documentary I'm not good at. It comes from my love for children. I hope through this documentary, everyone can once again feel the power of truth, kindness, and beauty.”
 
She candidly admits as a director, she had to change her way of thinking, and gained lots of invaluable experiences as the filming period for documentaries is longer than for that for movies.
 
In her maiden role as producer, director and a member of the cast, she faced numerous challenges from the planning stages to the actual filming, but with the production crew team’s assistance and her husband, Oxide Pang’s support, she overcame everything.

The adorable young cast of Dear Child, How Are You?

Initially hesitant to share her complete three-generation family story in ‘The Journey of Sinje’, the low-profile Lee gives audience insights of her real life and educational beliefs after Sylvia Chang encouraged her to be honest and sincere in her creative process. Lee hopes her life story will bring encouragement and hope to everyone.  
 
Founded in 2007 by Sinje Lee and her celebrity friends: Charlie Young, Gigi Leung and Valen Hsu, Little Yellow Flower Foundation aims to spread love and hope, and make a difference in children’s lives.  

Children from Hilltop House

 
Through their collective love for children and concern for children’s welfare, the Foundation has provided assistance for children in need, regardless of nationality or social standing, through educational environment enhancement and giving the children better educational opportunities, to help create a better future for them. 

‘Dear Child, How Are You?’ was officially released on 13 April 2023. More information available in FB: https://www.facebook.com/littleyellowflowerfoundation     
 
‘Dear Child, How Are You?’  Movie Trailer Link: https://fb.watch/jRSBGLOWGv/?mibextid=MO6U97  
 
The Making of Video for ‘The Journey of Sinje’ Movie Link:
https://youtu.be/iNHWnoN0Cz4 
 
The Making of Video for ‘Hilltop House’ Movie Link：https://fb.watch/jN6xA1M353/?mibextid=RUbZ1f            
 

SERENE STAYCATION AT AMARI SPICE PENANG

Connected to SPICE Arena (Penang's newly renovated indoor sports arena and preferred MICE venue), the Amari SPICE Penang hotel in Bayan Baru is easily accessible via the second link from Butterworth. It's about 20 minutes away by car from  Georgetown but you won’t miss much of the hurly-burly pace.

Tastefully designed with a minimalist, arty approach, the 453-room hotel boasts a spacious lobby with lofty ceiling. Gigantic modernist sculpture of the nutmeg, shelves of bric-a-bracs and potted palms add visual interest and splashes of colour.

A smiling frontline team welcomed us upon check-in and formalities were swiftly dispensed with, allowing us to go straight to our Deluxe room. 

Spacious with neutral tones, the floor-to-ceiling window accords an expansive view of the SPICE arena and nearby buildings against a verdant green hilly backdrop.

The executive desk gave ample elbow room and together with an ergonomically design chair, made working a breeze. We give extra brownie points for the USB-type ports and international traveller-friendly plug points. My favourite is the cushy chaise lounge with ottoman, ideal for reading or power napping.

Like the lobby and public spaces, artworks by local artists adorn the rooms. A mini coffee brewing machine with a box filled with tea bags and accoutrements, a smart flat-panel TV with a wireless sound bar are the in-room conveniences.

I like the practical, sizeable bathroom with brightly-lit mirror and vanity top. The rain shower is powerful and its easily adjustable flow made us reluctant to step out whilst the wardrobe comes with an iron and ironing board, a weighing scale, a hairdryer, slippers and bathrobes.

The bed with just the right degree of firmness and fluffy pillows ensured we slept like logs.

Amaya Food Gallery – the all-day dining restaurant on Level 4 – comprises lots of seating space and dedicated live action kitchens. 

The generous spread of East-meets-West breakfast and dinner buffet selections draw inspiration from Penang, Malaysia, and Asia; leaving diners utterly spoiled for choice.

Outside patio seating overlooks nicely landscaped water feature, plenty of semi-alfresco and outdoor seating. Easy access to the purpose-designed jogging/walking path adjacent to SPICE Penang makes it a boon for exercise buffs.

Ascending a short flight of stairs from the patio, we found ourselves at the 25m salt water swimming pool. Insta-worthy nooks abound as the poolside cum sun deck area is surrounded by greenery and nice view. Breeze Spa and the 24-hour, well-equipped Fit Centre gym are mere steps away.

If there’s one compelling reason to stay at Amari SPICE Penang, it would be the heavenly massage therapies at Breeze Spa. The two spa consultants who attended to us are so patient and well-versed in their skills, my daughter and I couldn’t believe when our one-hour session flew past in the blink of an eye.

From the various Signature Mood Massages available, I chose Dreamy – a combination of hypnotic aromas and long, flowing massage strokes ideal for alleviating tension from a busy day, a long flight or life’s daily hustle. My daughter chose Serene – soothing long strokes and palm pressure techniques to get rid all the knots and kinks in her stiff muscles.

We surrendered to the petal-strewn foot wash and scrub before we were ushered to one of the dimly-lit spa treatment rooms. Employing our preferred choice of essential oil, the ladies gently yet firmly worked on us until we succumbed to a blissful state of mind. It was well-worth the price as we felt instantly invigorated and relaxed post-therapy.

For reservations at Amari SPICE Penang, tel: 04 683 1188. Address: 2 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KL TO HOST TERRY FOX RUN

Calling all runners, joggers and walkers. Lend your support for a good cause by participating in the official Terry Fox Fun Run hosted by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Participants can register for the Terry Fox Run by buying a Terry Fox Run t-shirt – designed by celebrity Ryan Reynolds – via the Hotel website. The superstar shared a Tweet recently showing him wearing the official Terry Fox Run t-shirt and encouraging people to support the event. 

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts regional marketing director Nelson Hilton (pix above) said "The Terry Fox Run scheduled on 7 May at 7 am, is in support of Cancer Research Malaysia. A hundred percent of the funds raised will go to Cancer Research Malaysia."

Initiated by the late Terry Fox who lost his leg to bone cancer in 1980, the then 22-year Canadian ran 5,374 kilometres across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

He continued his Marathon of Hope through rain, snow and heat, until he was forced to stop when cancer appeared in his lungs. Terry passed away the following year, but not before raising CAD 24 million for the cause.

Inspired by Terry’s courage and vision of a cancer-free world, Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp made a commitment to uphold Terry’s legacy. Working closely with several sponsors to organize the first-ever Terry Fox Run in 1981, the event drew more than 300,000 participants.

Today, more than 9,000 Terry Fox Memorial Runs take place around the world annually, supported by Four Seasons in several locations. 

“Our Hotel team is thrilled to host this event for the first time and to honour Terry’s inspiring legacy,” says General Manager Blaise Montandon. “It is a privilege for us to support our local community by raising funds for Cancer Research Malaysia.”

The 5-km route will start from Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, covering the perimeter of KLCC. Safety of the participants are ensured since it is the city’s car-free day. So far the event has attracted about 200 participants especially corporate companies and the Canadian community in KL.

“We invite everyone to join in the Terry Fox Run. You can walk, jog, run or stroll at your own pace. Come with your family and friends: be they young or old to support the good cause.

“Participants also stand a chance to win exciting prizes such as complimentary stays at Four Seasons Hotel Langkawi and Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and dining vouchers from Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.”

Supporters and do-gooders alike can donate to the good cause by purchasing the said t-shirt too at this link:

https://fs-kuala lumpur.myshopify.com/collections/terry-fox-fun-run/products/terry-fox-fun-run